RentData

Average Rent in Union County, SC Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in SC

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 26,990

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Union County, SC has rental prices ranging from $640/month to $1,237/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $711/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $41,200/year, spending $711/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Union County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Union County ranks #36 most expensive of the 38 cities tracked in South Carolina — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Union County Rental Market

The Union County, SC area has a population of about 26,990 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Union County, SC have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $905 to $933. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Union County, SC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,440. The local median household income of $41,200 exceeds that threshold by $12,760, making Union County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Union County, SC has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, 2.0 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$640
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$711
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,156
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,237
Average
🔔
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Is Union County, SC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$37,320/year
Local median income: $41,200
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $933/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SClargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Anderson$787$792$947$1,204
Greenville$1,136$1,180$1,306$1,599
Columbia$1,063$1,172$1,298$1,656
Charleston$1,583$1,644$1,820$2,255
Myrtle Beach$1,133$1,199$1,406$1,771
Spartanburg$1,053$1,094$1,211$1,493

Rent or Buy in Union County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Union County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$933/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $933/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Union County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Union County

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💵Rent Affordability in Union County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SC

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⚖️Compare Union County

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📋SC Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections